"What is the city but the people?"

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/nationaltheatre/

So last week, a few days after seeing Annie, I went on down to my local cinema with my Dad to see the National Theatre Live screening of the recent production of William Shakespeare's Coriolanus, which was performed at the Donmar Warehouse; and yeah, I know, it's completely different to Annie, I would not recommend taking your kids to this one...

Written by Shakespeare between 1605 and 1608, Coriolanus is one of his final tragedies, along with Anthony and Cleopatra. Based on the legendary Roman leader Cais Martius Coriolanus, it follows a man going from the military into politics after he lead a giant military success for Rome. Though it becomes clear very quickly that he is not the right choice for the job, and circumstances lead him to his eventual downfall.

Before the show started, there was a mini documentary about the production, and the theatre, the Donmar Warehouse in London, which used to be a storehouse for bananas. It was incredibly interesting how they used the very small space of the theatre to create a very bare Rome, and the set of a half-red wall, a ladder and paint on both the floor and wall resembling Roman grafitti. It was a fantastic interpretation of the space, and hats off to Josie Rourke's inspirational creative team!

Now, a lot of big names have played the title role, including Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Ralph Fiennes and Morgan Freeman! This time, it was the BEAUTIFUL Tom Hiddleston's turn, along with an incredible supporting cast, including Hadley Fraser as a funny-and-brutal-with-a-northern-accent Tillus Audifius, Alfred Enoch (or Dean Thomas to Harry Potter fans) and the incredible Mark Gatiss as Meneius, among others. I would particularly like to go more into Hiddleston's and Gattiss' performances, as they were BOTH nominated for acting Oliviers this year. Am I going to say whether they should have won or not - no, as I have not seen either performance which did win, it wouldn't be my place at all to comment. Can I say though that it was right for them to be nominated - absolutely yes!!!

I would firstly like to start with Mark Gatiss. Menenius is a character which is fairly similar to the role he's most known for, Mycroft Holmes, as he is on the surface extremely witty and intelligent. As one of Martius' closest friends, he tries to teach him political tactics when Martius comes into power. Though the scene that got it for me was when he was trying to plead with a stone-cold and set-on-revenge Coriolanus not to destroy Rome. His emotion in that ripped right through me, and made me realise that it was the first time I have seen Gatiss perform a scene like that - it was incredible and I would not be surprised if that scene pushed him ahead for the Olivier nominations. I would like to at this point to share my favourite quote from the play, which comes from this scene:

"There is no more mercy in him than milk in a male tiger" Menenius, Act V Scene 4

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/nationaltheatre/

And now I need to turn to the star, Tom Hiddleston as Cais Martius. Like Menenius, he does have his emotional moments, but there's much more than just that. His performance was incredibly powerful, and perfectly suited for a character as arrogant and proud as Martius is. Though there are also some hidden gems in there that surprisingly make you laugh - as well as being incredibly full of himself, Shakespeare wrote Martius to have a very dry and sarcastic sense of humour. There is one particular scene in an argument with his mother which was hilarious. I'm not sure what else to say other than the part was perfect for Hiddleston. In a way, Martius is like Loki, but a way better fighter; or an arrogant Ned Stark... In fact, speaking of Game of Thrones...

It is a brilliant play to see if you are a fan, like myself, of the show. Any die hard fans would find Mark Stanley in the ensemble (he played Grenn in the show - oh and while I remember, Mark Gatiss has been in the show too...); but as well as finding one of Jon Snow's mates there, I think the themes of the play would really appeal you if you're a fan. There is quite a bit of blood here and there, in fact according to the prologue video, there is no other Shakespeare play with so many references to the body, blood and scars; but as well as a bit of blood, the scheming, conspiracy and politics of the play will surely interest fans.

In conclusion, if NT Live shows this play again, be sure to go to your closest showing and watch this wonderful play. Now, I have to admit, this is the first time I have seen something from NT Live and I am reserving full judgement on it fully at the present moment until I have seen a few more - and there are a few more coming up in the next few months, so hopefully watch this space...

Oh and I have to mention one more thing about this production..... Tom Hiddleston covered in mud and blood having a shower in the middle of the stage.........